The word “remedial” is not something that the average person would recognize – although, once explained, it makes total sense. The word “remedy” is hidden right inside it:
re·me·di·al /rəˈmēdēəl/
adjective
giving or intended as a remedy or cure.
e.g. “remedial surgery”
The descriptor, “cure”, may seem strong in this sense, but for years we have known that our philosophy is scientifically proven: “Movement is Life”. Our bodies NEED movement to circulate fluids, to keep tissues supple and energized, and to maintain the function of joints. In this way, movement is a “cure” for many things that ail us. The life blood and nervous system that activate the mechanics of our body require us to keep moving in order for them to keep working. It’s an interconnected web of a system.
Biofeedback as a Component of Remedial Exercise Programs
For this reason, our therapists are trained in the benefits of specific remedial exercises catered to specific types of physical dysfunction. The design of these remedial exercise programs is very intentional and adherence to them can amount to the difference between requiring surgery and playing basketball with your granddaughter (Jane Doe, from our office, had this exact experience). Our therapists will look at and manually treat the area causing pain, considering the muscles, fascia, and tissues involved in the functional operation of that area. Then, they also look at the significant contributors from other parts of the body. For instance, pain in the knee can actually be a result of dysfunction in the ankle or hip. Pain in the lower back could be coming from tightness in the gluteal muscles, and the misalignment of the spine. As a team of Registered Massage Therapists, an Osteopath, and a Reflexologist, our therapists don’t simply factor in the symptoms experienced by the client, but they treat very precise systemic issues across the body by incorporating manual, hands-on assessment and treatment as well as recommending remedial exercises for those areas.
Client Participation a Game Changer
For clients who struggle with commitment to a regular movement pattern or habit at home, Remedial Exercise Sessions are the perfect opportunity for client participation in their healing and wellness with the watchful eye of a professional. Studies have shown that “while manual therapy alone or exercise alone will help a client to decrease their pain and anxiety and increase their ability to perform activities of daily living, both therapies together will result in better outcomes.”
In 2018, Massage Therapy Today published the benefits of a study done in 2002 at the University of Guelph, researchers recruited 91 participants between the ages of 18 and 81 years with subacute low back pain that had been present for one week to eight months. Those selected for the study were randomly placed into four groups.
- Group #1 received comprehensive massage therapy, which combined soft tissue manipulation, remedial exercise and posture education.
- Group #2 received soft tissue manipulation only.
- Group #3 received remedial exercise and posture education only.
- Group #4 received a placebo of sham laser therapy, which was set up to look functional but was not.
Each group was given six treatments over the course of a month, and measurements of functionality on the performance of daily tasks, pain relief, lumbar range of motion and anxiety levels were taken immediately after the treatment course as well as one month later. While the groups that received soft tissue manipulation only and exercise only showed significant improvements over the sham laser group in functionality, pain relief and anxiety, both at the immediate post-treatment and the one month mark, the comprehensive massage therapy and exercise group either matched or surpassed the improvements of all three groups.
Remedial Exercise Programs vs. Physiotherapy
Many people are interested in the differences between each of the therapies at our clinic as well as those offered by others. The variety of modalities out there reflects the variety of needs in each person’s unique situation. Physiotherapists are specifically trained in remedial movement and exercise to treat overall dysfunction. According to Web MD,
“A physiotherapist, or physical therapist, works with patients to help them manage pain, balance, mobility, and motor function. They work with patients with all types of conditions or limitations…to develop customized programs designed to restore as much as possible their functional ability and movement.”
With different tools in their proverbial “tool belt”, Physiotherapists can be very helpful for those who have an independent mentality and are committed to the rehabilitation process. As a contrast, our Remedial Exercise Programs incorporate components of accountability, hands-on deep tissue massage where appropriate, as well as personalized support and supervision while performing the stretches and exercise movements.
Contact us today!
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, had a bad fall, or you’re just curious about how Remedial Exercise works on your aches and pains, book an intake session today to meet with one of our therapists. We have a male and female therapist with evening and weekend availability. Also note that this service can be billed to insurance. Send us an email to inquire at admin@riverofliferehab.com or call 519-854-2025.
References:
- Quibell, Micaela Quibell. “Remedial Exercise: Encouraging Adherence.” Massage Therapy Today. Spring 2018. Pg 9. Retrieved November 23 from: https://www.rmtao.com/Media/Default/MTT/MTT_Spg2018_print.pdf
- Web MD. “What Is A Physiotherapist?” Medically Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian, MD on March 02, 2023. Retrieved on Dec 3, 2024 from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-physiotherapist
